Sharjah: Euphoric celebrations after UAE's historic series win against Bangladesh
There were euphoric celebrations at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday after the UAE beat Bangladesh in the third T20I for their first-ever series victory over a Test-playing country.
Alishan Sharafu, who was named the man-of-the-match for his 47-ball 68 not out (5 fours, 3 sixes), and Asif Khan (41 not out off 26 balls, 5 sixes) held their nerve as the UAE chased down 163 in 19.1 overs losing only three wickets.
Skipper Muhammad Waseem (9) had a rare failure, but Sharafu rose to the occasion with a magnificent half-century to help the UAE beat the formidable Bangladesh team by seven wickets, less than 48 hours after their nail-biting two wicket victory on the same ground in the second match.
The biggest hero for the UAE on Wednesday, though, was left-arm spinner Haider Ali who bowled an outstanding spell, taking three big wickets for just seven runs in four overs.
Haider dismissed Litton Das (14), Towhid Hridoy (0) and Mahedi Hasan (2) to break the back of Bangladesh batting.
The visitors never recovered from the three big blows as they managed only 162 for nine, a total the UAE comfortably chased down to script the greatest victory in their cricket history.
Playing his first international series, Haider proved decisive in the series decider.
'The big wicket was Litton Das. He is their captain and he is a very big player in international. He is someone who knows the art of building partnerships,' Haider said.
'So I spoke to skipper Waseem bhai before the match that we have to bowl an attacking line to Litton Das and if he gets out early, they will be in trouble. So I am really pleased now that I managed to get him out for a low score.'
Having resticted Bangladesh to a modest score, the UAE suffered a big blow when Waseem was dismissed early.
But Sharafu was undetered by the challenge and played an immaculate knock to take the team home.
'The plan was pretty simple: to go out there and play as many balls as possible. Everything just worked out in the end,' Sharafu said after receving the man-of-the-match award.
'Waseem bhai has been fantastic all series, and losing him early today was a big blow. But obviously, it was another opportunity for everyone else around him to get themselves in.'
Skipper Waseem, who was named the man-of-the series for his 145 runs in three matches, was lost for words.
'I'm very happy we have made history. This series means a lot to us. It's very helpful for us in the future,' he said.
'And I'm very happy with the performance of the boys, the way Asif played, Alishan, and the way Haider bowled, and the other bowlers. I'm very happy with the performance of my whole team. I have no words for this victory.'
Meanwhie, bowling hero Haider thanked the Emirates Cricket Board for their constant support.
'I think credit must go to the our cricket board, they have given us a lot of support and great facilities,' he said.
'It's because of their efforts that we have improved as a team and today we have won a T20 series against a test-playing team (Bangladesh).
'I also have to acknowledge the contributions of the club teams in the UAE. This victory is for them also. The clubs have given the players a lot of support.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE's Rouda AlSerkal scores a hat trick at Norway Chess Open
Rouda AlSerkal may have suffered a few heartbreaking defeats, but the 15-year-old UAE chess prodigy bounced back with exhilarating performances to finish her maiden Norway Chess Open campaign in style at Stavanger. The first Woman Grandmaster from the UAE, Rouda showed maturity that belied her young age, ending the tournament with a hat trick of wins after losing her first game to Swedish Grandmaster Platon Galperin. In one of the most challenging events, the teenager suffered three more losses and managed two draws in the next rounds before finding her feet as she finished the event with a flourish. A former world youth champion, Rouda registered her first win of the tournament against Sigur H. Myny of Norway before winning back-to-back games against Mauro Pivi of Italy and France's Franck Gouanelle. Three wins, two draws and four losses may not sound like a great tournament for an experienced campaigner. But for Rouda, an emerging talent, this was an experience that would help her add more weapons to her game. 'It was a learning experience more than anything else,' Rouda said. 'And I'm proud I stayed with it. Ending with three wins felt really special – I feel like I'm still leaving stronger than I arrived although I could have done much better.' Kjell Madland, Tournament founder, showered Rouda with high praise for her courageous performance. 'It is exactly the kind of story that reinforces Norway Chess as a truly global platform,' Madland said. 'To have young talents like Rouda travel all the way from the UAE to compete at this level adds richness and reach to what we're building here in Stavanger.'
The National
20 hours ago
- The National
UAE Team Emirates rider Isaac del Toro 'proud and happy' despite Giro d'Italia disappointment
UAE Team Emirates-EXG rider Isaac del Toro insisted he is proud of his efforts at the Giro d'Italia despite being beaten to the title by British rider Simon Yates. The Mexican went into Saturday's penultimate Stage 20 in pole position to become UAE Team Emirates second consecutive winner of the Grand Tour race, following in the slipstream of Tadej Pogacar last year. But Briton's Simon Yates, who started the day third in the general classification 81 seconds behind the leader, produced a magnificent ride on the Colle delle Finestre – the highest point of this year's race – to overhaul second-place Richard Carapaz and Del Toro in the standings. The Visma-Lease A Bike rider finished the stage almost four minutes clear of Del Toro with the Giro crown all but in the bag going into Sunday's ceremonial finale around Rome. Del Toro had snatched the overall lead on Stage 9 when he took charge of the pink jersey which he kept a tight hold on for 10 more stages. But it was not to be for the 21-year-old who came agonisingly close to victory in what was only his second Grand Tour race after last year's Vuelta a Espagna. 'Obviously I am super happy to finish second, I need to be mature with this and, of course, a lot of people are surprised that I can be at this level now,' said Del Toro, whose victory on Stage 17 was his first on a Grand Tour. 'For my team, it's not a big surprise, it's just a question of time. I want to believe it, this is the main problem for me personally, but this week I show I can be a top rider and top contender and I cannot be more proud and happy, to be honest. 'For sure it's always disappointing to lose the leader's jersey, but actually as a team we cannot be more together and more happy about the performance that we did. We cannot manage a victory, but … it's cycling and that's why we love it. 'I was close, and this is a thing, but at the end I didn't win,' added Del Toro. 'I will just keep working and I will come back for sure. 'You need to be a great winner, you need to be a great loser, and I think I am a good loser, and chapeau for them. Congrats.' It was a story of redemption for Yates as he sobbed uncontrollably after crossing the finish lines in third place behind stage winner Chris Harper and second place Alessandro Verre. At the 2018 Giro, Yates was wearing the pink jersey on the penultimate mountain stage only to see his lead snuffed out by countryman Chris Froome on the Colle delle Finestre. Yates would end the day down in 18th place, nearly 36 minutes behind soon-to-be champion Froome with one competitive stage to go. 'When the route was released I always had in the back of my mind to try to do something here and close the chapter, let's say,' said Yates on Saturday. 'I maybe look relaxed but I also had doubts this morning, if I could really do something, but the guys they encouraged me and believed in me, so yeah, thanks to them.' As for Del Toro, he remained upbeat after what has been a breakthrough performance from a young rider. 'My disappointment is split 50-50, half for me and half for the team. They deserved the win,' he said. 'I'm happy in one sense becaus e I showed that I can compete in a Grand Tour and that I'm not lacking anything. Few people thought I could do what I've done before this Giro. I had the legs to win a Grand Tour, I went close to victory. 'I respect the big riders but if I look at all my performances in this Giro, I can start to think I can win a Grand Tour. 'I'll sleep well tonight because I've matured and I've realised that this is also cycling. I'm not smiling because I'm second. But it's still a great result.'
Emirates 24/7
a day ago
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai Fitness Challenge unveils new brand identity and announces 2025 dates
- Ninth edition to run from 1 to 30 November - Special gathering held to thank the entities, schools, partners, fitness establishments and local communities that have helped make the annual event a resounding success Khalfan Belhoul: The success of the Dubai Fitness Challenge would not have been possible without the passion, energy, and commitment of our community Ahmed Al Khaja: By fostering a healthier, more connected community, DFC advances the D33 Agenda's goal of making our city the best place to visit, live and work in Over eight editions, more than 13 million people have taken part in the Dubai Fitness Challenge The Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) has unveiled a bold, refreshed brand identity, which celebrates its transformative impact on the city's health and wellbeing. The announcement was made at a special gathering held to thank the government entities, schools, corporate entities, partners, fitness establishments and local communities that have helped make the annual event a resounding success. The ninth edition of DFC will take place from 1 to 30 November 2025, the UAE's Year of Community. His Excellency Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council and CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, began the ceremony with gratitude for every individual, organisation, government partner and stakeholder who has helped shape the success of DFC, noting that more than 13 million people have taken part over eight editions. In his keynote speech, His Excellency also shared his personal fitness journey and his perspective on the evolving landscape of sport and fitness. Launched in 2017 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) embodies his vision to transform Dubai into one of the world's most active cities. Driven by this visionary leadership, the initiative's ongoing success supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, reinforcing the city's position as a global leader in both business and lifestyle. Commenting on the impact of DFC, His Excellency said: 'The success of the Dubai Fitness Challenge would not have been possible without the passion, energy, and commitment of our community. Since its launch in 2017, DFC has grown into a citywide movement embraced by the people of Dubai — transforming the city into a world-class sporting hub. With 2025 declared the Year of Community in the UAE, I am confident that this year's edition will once again unite friends, families, and organisations in the shared pursuit of a healthier, more active lifestyle.' What began as a challenge to inspire residents and visitors alike to be active for 30 minutes every day for 30 days has grown into a citywide celebration of fitness, created and sustained by Dubai's communities. Over the years, participation has grown by a remarkable 200%, with the movement bringing together people of all ages and cultural backgrounds, fostering a culture of health and vitality across Dubai. During the event, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, revealed the refreshed brand identity for DFC. With its vibrant colours and dynamic lines, the new logo embodies DFC's bold, inspiring and inclusive spirit - just like Dubai. Commenting on the evolution of DFC, he stated: 'It is truly inspiring to witness how much Dubai Fitness Challenge has transformed our city and our communities, helping residents and visitors embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle. DFC is a testament to how visionary leadership can turn ambition into reality. By fostering a healthier, more connected community, DFC advances the D33 Agenda's goal of making our city the best place to visit, live and work in. Our refreshed brand captures the energy of this movement, inspiring millions to embrace active lifestyles. We look forward to seeing how the ninth edition of this initiative will continue to improve the well-being of individuals, build on Dubai's legacy and bring to life our shared vision for a healthier, happier community, further enhancing Dubai's global standing.' Alongside the refreshed brand, the 2025 highlight calendar was revealed, featuring 30 days of free and inclusive fitness events, fitness villages, community hubs, classes, and activities aimed at transforming Dubai into a city-wide gym that welcomes everyone and helping the community embrace a more active lifestyle. This year's Challenge will feature a brand new flagship event: Dubai Yoga, which will bring the 30-day Challenge to a close with a sunset yoga session on 30 November, promoting holistic wellbeing. Returning events include the Dubai Ride, presented by DP World on 2 November; Dubai Stand-Up Paddle on 8-9 November; and Dubai Run, presented by Mai Dubai, on 23 November. Each event is designed to engage participants in diverse, community-focused activities and build on the success of 2024, which saw a record-breaking 2,735,158 participants - a 14% increase from 2023. Data from 2024 highlights DFC's lasting impact: 18% of participants reported improved physical fitness, 15% noted enhanced psychological wellbeing, and 14% experienced greater self-esteem and reduced anxiety. For all the latest updates and to learn more about Dubai Fitness Challenge 2025, visit Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
